Raymond J.C. Cannon
This book is written by entomologist Raymond J.C. Cannon. It is perhaps telling that the book seeks to build on Courtship: a zoological study by Margaret Bastock, which was first published in 1967. While Margaret’s book was a mere 220 pages, here Raymond has produced a much heftier volume at well over 600 pages. This, in part at least, reflects the explosion of research in neurobiology, genetics and chemical ecology that has been seen over the past 50 years.
The other reason for the size of this book is the exceptional use of figures and beautiful photographs throughout. It is perhaps no surprise that with Raymond’s keen interest in photography, many of the photographs included are by the author himself. The inclusion of so many figures and photographs, together with an engaging easy style of writing, makes what could have been an intimidating read into a book that will appeal to academics, students and enthusiasts alike. The only caveat here is that the cost and focus is likely to prevent this book from gaining a wider readership.
The book has an introduction, then chapters on Mate Finding; Mate Calling; Swarming and Lekking; Cues, Signals and Advertising; Sex Roles, Ornamentation and Role Reversals; Courtship; Attracting and Stimulating the Other Sex; Chemical Communication; Volatile Sex Pheromones in Non-lepidopteran Insects; Short-range and Contact Pheromones; Mate Choice; Sexual Conflicts; Courtship Feeding. The inclusion of chapters on Drosophila courtship behaviour reflects the importance that work on these little flies has had for our understanding of courtship and mate finding.
Collectively, the chapters included in this book provide a comprehensive review of current understanding in courtship and mate finding in insects. It is particularly notable that Raymond has drawn effectively on such a wide range of examples from so many insect orders, although it is perhaps no surprise that in addition to the dedicated chapters on Drosophila, this genus of flies is used as examples in many of the other chapters. Indeed, the Epilogue very effectively brings together our understanding of Drosophila courtship and mate finding. The Discussions and Conclusions chapter also effectively considers the many and varied applications of knowledge on insect courtship and mating behaviour. Indeed, as an applied entomologist this book will no doubt be useful to me and the students I work with on projects developing sustainable approaches to pest management.
Raymond indicates a hope that he has been able to convey through the content of this book his pleasure in completing the huge amount of research required. I am delighted to confirm that, from my perspective at least, this hope has been realised.
